Consumer Cellular Survey Finds Low Cost Cellular Service More Essential Than Smartphones in a Down Economy

New Customer Survey Indicates High Quality and Affordability More Influential on
Cellular Buyers than Accessories and Internet Features
PORTLAND, Ore.--(Business Wire)--
National mobile virtual network operator Consumer Cellular
(https://www.consumercellular.com) surveyed its customers and found the vast
majority are more concerned about having reliable, national cellular coverage
with no long-term contracts and reasonable prices, than additional features,
such as Internet access and accessories.

"We believe a significant portion of the population is interested in using cell
phones simply for making and receiving phone calls, and for safety and
convenience purposes," said Consumer Cellular CEO John Marick. "By utilizing the
nation`s largest voice and data network, Consumer Cellular offers premium
coverage at affordable rates for individuals with limited usage needs."

Factors in Choosing a Cellular Service Provider

Consumer Cellular`s survey focused on the features, products and services
customers consider when selecting a cellular company. Consumer Cellular reported
the following customer preferences in selecting a service provider:

* 93 percent cited quality of cellular service as a most important
decision-making factor
* 91 percent noted price as a leading influence
* Rounding out the most important features:

* no long-term contracts (89 percent)
* coverage area (88 percent)
* simple pricing (87 percent)

* Only five percent of respondents noted the ability to access news, sports and
weather as important, with just 10 percent noting text messaging services as a
key feature.
* Nearly 85 percent preferred to be billed for wireless usage, rather than
subscribe to pre-paid calling plans.

Survey Demographics

Consumer Cellular administered its survey last month to more than 2,000 of its
customers across the U.S., of which 86 percent were older than 50. More than
two-thirds of participants were new customers, using Consumer Cellular`s
services for two years or less. Relatively few - just 17 percent - plan to make
adjustments to their wireless usage habits given the current economic condition.

About Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular, the exclusive wireless provider for AARP, was founded in 1995
on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to the safety and
convenience of cellular service. The company provides its customers with simple,
affordable cell phones and calling plans, guaranteed satisfaction and top-ranked
customer support staff all located within the United States. Plus, Consumer
Cellular customers never have to sign a long-term contract in order to start
service.

The Portland, Ore.-based company is privately held and utilizes the nation's
largest voice and data network, covering more than 296 million people - or 97
percent of the U.S. population. As one of the nation's leading wireless
wholesalers, Consumer Cellular is able to purchase wireless service in large
volumes, providing its customers with the best of both worlds: great low rates
and the best cellular network available. For more information:
https://www.ConsumerCellular.com or call 800-686-4460.

Media Contact:
LANE PR
Katie Stringer, 503-546-7877
katie@lanepr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009